McGill Terminates Agreement with Student Union Following Disruptions at Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations
McGill University has announced it will terminate its contract with the student union due to recent events during pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Angela Campbell, interim deputy provost of student life and learning, stated that the decision to end the contract was made after a three-day strike supported by the union.
In a letter to the student body, Campbell expressed disappointment in the Students Society of McGill University (SSMU) for allowing and indirectly supporting the divisive strike, which disrupted the campus community.
She mentioned that SSMU should have opposed the strike motion but failed to do so. An Instagram post promoted a “McGill strike in support of Palestinian Liberation” during April 2-4.
“As a result, numerous classes were disrupted, and both students and instructors felt threatened and unsafe,” Campbell wrote.
The letter detailed an incident where individuals vandalized a glass office door with red paint-filled fire hydrant, endangering staff inside.
Campbell criticized the demonstrators for their disruptive behavior during the strike, leading the university to reconsider its contract with the student union.
She noted that the contract allows either party to terminate it without assigning any fault and mandates mediation between SSMU and the university administration.
SSMU president Dymetri Taylor affirmed that the union had advocated for peaceful protests from the beginning.
Responding to the campus activities, SSMU emphasized the importance of peaceful protesting and disassociated from any violent actions.
The students union stated that such actions did not align with their ethos or the strike motion ratified by its members.
SSMU insisted on upholding a safe and inclusive campus environment for learning and expressing diverse viewpoints.
Taylor acknowledged that the decision to end the contract would strain the relationship between the university and the student union but affirmed their commitment to continue collaborating.
The mediation process is set to commence within two weeks, with SSMU anticipating its conclusion by June.
SSMU assured members that all operations, services, and activities would proceed as usual until further notice.
Campbell stressed the university’s concerns about the strike’s repercussions and emphasized the need for concrete actions to demonstrate a commitment to peaceful protest.
The university is prepared to engage in mediation with SSMU to resolve the situation amicably.
